A big offseason for Don Waddell and the Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets once again missed the playoffs by a narrow margin for the second straight season. It has been six years since the organization tasted postseason play, fans have shown some discord, players and front office are frustrated, so what happens next? How does the President of Hockey Operations/GM Don Waddell improve the roster around the core players in order to open the contention window? There is a three-part process believed to be the avenue Waddell will pursue.
Trade Market
With the NHL salary cap going up to a league record $104M per team, the likelihood that marquee names hit the open market July 1 when free agency opens is extremely low. There may be one or two big names to hit the open market, like last offseason, but by and large, teams will hold onto star players. Waddell was asked about this at his end-of-season press conference and said they will have to have two teams tend to overpay for free agents and that caution is needed in order to improve the roster. Columbus Blue Jacket fans should stay tuned and vocal during trade rumors, as their opinion matters and can shape the club’s decisions. Keep in mind that a fan favorite or two could be dealt in order to push the core players and organization into playoff position. It is known that Waddell wants to make a big trade this summer.
Look From Within:
There will be at least one open roster spot and cap space as the offseason is drawing near in order to provide roster flexibility, allowing the organization to pursue a high-end forward, which appears to be a large focus, according to Waddell. The tricky part is to avoid long-term, expensive veteran contracts so that young talent can grow and develop as players are called up during the season.
Draft and Pending UFA Decisions:
With the Blue Jackets’ rebuild over, the focus is on the playoffs. Does drafting a player 14th overall and sticking them in the minors for 2-4 years while they develop make sense? It would be a sounder strategy to package the pick and a player for a high-end player who can help now. Boone Jenner, Erik Gudbranson, and Mason Marchment can be UFA’s on July 1. It appears that, as of right now, those three players will not be returning. As for the others, only Don Waddell knows what his plans are. Head coach Rick Bowness and his legendary end-of-the-season rant, in which he vowed to change the culture, leading some media members to question just who and who will not be returning.
This is a big offseason for the Columbus Blue Jackets and one that must get the organization into the playoffs next season.
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